This one is all about playing with the metronome in creative ways—specifically, doubling and halving the tempo. Step 1: Start at a Comfortable Tempo Set…
Bar chords are powerful — they unlock the ability to play in any key across the fretboard. But let’s be honest: they can also feel…
This might sound simple, but learning how to tap your foot while you play is one of the best ways to internalise time and develop…
For many guitarists, barre chords are a rite of passage. They open up the entire fretboard, allowing you to play in any key without being…
In our last lesson, we looked at the basics of funk rhythm guitar—muting, right-hand timing, and sixteenth-note subdivisions. Today, we’re going to take that groove…
One of the biggest challenges for guitarists is learning the fretboard. Unlike a piano, where every note is laid out clearly, the guitar’s repeating patterns…
Funk guitar is one of the most exciting and infectious styles you can learn. It’s all about rhythm, groove, and discipline, and while the guitar…
When it comes to practicing scales, arpeggios, or fretboard exercises, most guitarists work through them in order — C, C♯, D, D♯, and so on.…
Bending is one of the most expressive techniques on the guitar. Unlike instruments such as piano, the guitar allows you to literally push or pull…
One of the most valuable lessons I learned during music college came from a tutor who told us: “Practice like a scientist, play like a…
Sweep picking is one of those techniques that can sound flashy and intimidating, but at its core, it’s about efficiency and fluidity. Whether you play…
When it comes to practicing guitar, many players are told to “practice every day”. While daily practice is certainly effective for some, it can also…
Many guitarists learn the major and minor scales and stop there. But if you’ve ever wondered how to add new colours, moods, and textures to…
When learning guitar, most players focus on playing the right notes, but the technique in your left hand is just as important. One concept that…
If you’ve been following along with our triad lessons, you now know that triads are a powerful way to unlock the guitar fretboard. In this…
The major scale is the foundation of Western music. Whether you’re playing classical, rock, pop, or jazz, understanding this scale is essential to becoming a…
Triads are one of the most fundamental building blocks in music. Whether you’re playing rock, pop, classical, or jazz, triads appear everywhere on the guitar.…
For musicians navigating the ever-changing and fast-paced industry in this digital age, having the right toolkit to create content is essential. In order to maintain…
In the previous lesson, we explored alternate picking and economy picking. Today, let’s move away from the pick-only approach and look at two versatile right-hand…
Learning triads on the guitar is one thing — but putting them into context with real music is where the real progress happens. One of…
When we think about improving our guitar playing, most of us spend hours focusing on the left hand—scales, fingerings, positions, speed, and stamina. But the…
The minor pentatonic scale is one of the first scales most guitarists learn, and for good reason. It’s simple, versatile, and the backbone of countless…
The minor pentatonic scale is one of the most important scales for guitarists. It’s the foundation of blues, rock, and countless famous guitar solos. But…
In the first part of this series, we looked at practicing triads on the top string set while staying in one position. The focus was…
Good posture might not sound as exciting as learning a new riff, but it’s one of the most important parts of guitar playing. The way…
Today I want to share with you a tune that had a huge impact on me. In fact, I’d call it a converter tune —…
One of the biggest challenges for beginner and intermediate guitarists is learning how to navigate the fretboard. At first, it feels like a maze —…
When learning guitar, it’s easy to focus only on chords and scales. But without solid technique, many players hit a ceiling—they can’t execute the ideas…
In the last lesson, we looked at the geography of the guitar—finding notes across the fretboard using octaves. Today, we’re focusing on something equally important:…
One of the most important skills every guitarist should develop early on is the ability to find notes across the fretboard. Instead of counting frets…
Tuning your guitar is one of the simplest ways to improve your sound instantly, and it’s easier than you might think. With today’s tuners, getting…
If you’re just starting out on guitar, picking your first set of strings can be surprisingly tricky. With so many options — different materials, gauges,…
Getting the right guitar can feel like an uphill battle if you’re a left-handed beginner. Fortunately, some excellent models offer comfort, solid construction, and great…
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your collection, Gibson offers something for every kind of player. This guide covers the best Gibson…
The Gibson Les Paul is a cornerstone of electric guitar history, renowned for its rich tone, sustain, and iconic design. Since its debut in the…
Finding the best bedroom guitar amp means looking beyond raw power. In small spaces, you need something compact, controllable, and inspiring to play through at…
Metal demands more from a guitar than most genres. It calls for precision, aggression, and an unmistakable edge, both sonically and visually. The best metal…
A good guitar cable should deliver a clear, noise-free signal while being durable enough for regular use. Prioritise thick shielding, solid plugs and trusted brands.…
How to choose your first bass guitar Choosing your first bass guitar can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Focus on comfort, build…
If you’re searching for the best guitar for punk rock, you’re likely after something no-nonsense, powerful, and ready to roar. Punk demands simplicity and attitude,…
Epiphone makes it easy for beginners to get started with a guitar and offers various models across electric, acoustic, and bass categories. Each instrument is…
Shopping for your very first bass guitar can feel overwhelming when there’s so many great basses on offer. Whether you’re picking up the bass for…
There’s a moment (a beautifully uncertain moment) when you decide it’s time to buy your first guitar. Or your next guitar. Or the one that…
Distortion pedals come in all shapes, sizes, and sounds, but getting the right one is important for your style, setup, and budget. If you’re a…
Somewhere between the hum of your first strum and the ache of your fingertips lies a simple truth: the right guitar can change everything. It’s…
A good music stand is an essential part of the journey of becoming a good musician. This piece of kit is often necessary for practising…
Whether you’re a total newbie who just picked up your first guitar pick yesterday or someone looking to upgrade from your uncle’s dusty hand-me-down guitar,…
Everyone remembers their first guitar. Maybe it was a gift. Maybe it was a long-awaited purchase. But one thing is certain: choosing your first acoustic…
Every jazz guitarist remembers the moment their instrument stopped being just a guitar and started becoming a voice. Whether you’re a student exploring jazz for…
An essential part of correct guitar setup is the intonation. After all, if the intonation on your guitar is amiss, your guitar will sound out…
The soulful, expressive sound of blues music is greatly attributed to the guitar technique known as blues fingerpicking. This unique style of plucking the guitar…
Many different electric guitar parts go into producing the sound you hear through your amp, from the physical body parts of an electric guitar, to…
Your first guitar is more than just an instrument, it’s the beginning of something special. The thrill of holding it for the first time, the…
Starting your guitar journey can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but it can also be a bit daunting. With so many songs out…
The guitar is a versatile instrument that spans a wide array of musical genres, each with its own unique techniques, rhythms, and stylistic elements. Exploring…
Learning to play the guitar can be both exciting and challenging. Many students struggle to see progress when relying solely on pre-recorded tutorials or generic…
Teaching guitar can be a rewarding experience for both students and teachers, but not all learners are the same. Kids and adults approach learning with…
Writing your own songs is one of the most rewarding experiences for any musician, but it can also be challenging, especially for those just starting…
Learning an instrument like the guitar is a long-term journey that requires consistent effort, dedication, and proper guidance. For many aspiring musicians, staying on track…
Preparing for music exams or certifications, such as those offered by ABRSM or Trinity College, requires more than just practising scales and memorising pieces. A…
Choosing the right guitar tutor is a critical step for any aspiring musician. The right teacher can make learning enjoyable, help develop good techniques, and…
Selecting the right guitar is a crucial step for any aspiring guitarist. The perfect guitar for you depends on your learning style, musical preferences, and…
Learning to play the guitar can be one of the most rewarding experiences, offering a unique blend of challenge and enjoyment. However, beginners often encounter…
Introduction There are two types of guitar lessons – online and in-person. Both guitar lessons in person and online guitar lessons have their merits and…
Embarking on the journey of learning the guitar is an exciting endeavour. The right instrument can make a significant difference in the learning process, providing…
Many of my students buy used guitars as a way to get a particular brand or model of electric guitar at a bargain price. You…
Types of Guitar Picks Guitar picks, or plectrums, are essential tools for many guitarists, influencing their playing style and the sound they produce. This small,…
The Different Types of Guitar Strings Guitar strings are a crucial component of your instrument, significantly influencing its sound and playability. With various types of…
Changing guitar strings is an essential part of instrument maintenance that every guitarist must understand. The frequency of string changes depends on several factors, including…
When diving into the world of electric guitar, one of the most exciting aspects is the use of guitar pedals. These devices can transform your…
Starting your journey to learn the guitar is an exciting venture, filled with the promise of new skills and musical expression. However, the prospect of…
In any band, the distinction between lead and rhythm guitar is crucial. The lead guitarist takes the spotlight with solos, intricate melodies, and improvisations, often…
Gypsy Jazz, also known as Jazz Manouche, is a musical genre that brims with fervour, intricacy, and a distinctive swing rhythm that’s hard to resist.…
The raw energy of rock music, with its signature overdriven guitars and powerful riffs, has captured the hearts of music lovers for decades. Central to…
Are you drawn towards the expressive, soulful melodies of jazz guitar? This article seeks to unravel the mysteries of the jazz guitar for beginners, walking…
The 12-bar blues progression is a vital component of the blues sound and, by extension, is pivotal in guitar playing. This simple yet profound chord…
Power chords are the backbone of rock guitar. Recognizable for their raw, punchy sound, these stripped-down two or three-note chords—consisting of the root and fifth—are…
Blues improvisation is an art that embodies the raw and expressive nature of blues music. Aspiring blues guitarists often aim to master this art, as…
Scales play an integral role in the world of jazz guitar and indeed, in all forms of music. They are the building blocks of melodies,…
As an aspiring guitarist, you may find yourself at the crossroads of a crucial decision: should you delve into the world of structured guitar lessons or embark…
The question “Should I get guitar lessons?” comes to us all at different times of life, but if you find yourself asking it more and…
The best guitar teachers can make a world of difference to how much you learn and how quickly you progress. The right support can also…
Leeds is a music-oriented city with a rich history of performers, composers, and musicians. With so many music events held here every year, as well…
Introduction Looking to find a place for your child to learn an instrument in Leeds and surrounding areas? Why not check out these music centres…
Learning to play the guitar is very interesting! The guitar is versatile, and you’re never done learning more about it. No matter which genre is…
Practising guitar regularly is the best way to improve your guitar playing skills, but it’s a good idea to know your current guitar skill level…
If you practise guitar regularly you will get better, there’s no doubt about it. But if you make your guitar practice the best it can…
The answer to the question “How long does it take to learn guitar?” can vary a lot. Learning to play guitar is like learning a…
Guitar chords are the sounds that make up any piece of music you compose on your guitar. Of course, you can strum single notes, but…
What’s up guys! Bryan here – today we’re going to look at 9th chords! We could consider this an extended chord. The formula for a…
What’s up guys! Bryan here – today I want to talk about a particular chord, maybe some people would call this a “jazz chord” because…
What’s up guys! Bryan here – today I want to talk about suspended or ‘sus’ chords. A sus chord is when we take a major…
What’s up guys, this is Bryan and today I’d like to talk about my way of thinking about the pentatonic scale – so let’s take…
What’s up guys! Bryan here and today I want to talk about the blues scale! You probably already know about the blues scale, so we’re…
What’s up guys! Bryan here – bit of a theory lesson today and I want to show you what I refer to as the golden…
If you want to know how to get better at guitar, or you feel like you’re not progressing as fast as you would like, this…
A lot of people wonder whether there’s a best age to learn guitar (and if so, what is it?) There are really two answers to…
Ever asked yourself “how do electric guitar pickups work?” Knowing how your instrument works is a great way to make sure you get the best…
A guitar capo is a cool little piece of equipment. You could go your whole life without needing one, but they are sometimes the handiest…
With the thousands of guitar accessories on the market, let alone guitar pedals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you go to a music shop.…
Ever wondered “How does a guitar amp work?” If you’ve plucked an electric guitar with the amp turned off, or not plugged in at all,…
Ever wondered how people achieve that clarity at high volumes? Wondering what the next step is in branching out into your own sound? Or just…
When buying your first guitar, it’s useful to know about the different types of guitar amps you can choose from. There are a few types…
Changing your guitar string is a crucial part of learning and playing the guitar. It is good practice to learn how to do this early…
One of the first things you likely learnt to do when you began learning how to play the guitar, was tuning. After all, you can’t…
Ever wondered how many famous artists come from Leeds? Well, it turns out there are actually plenty of famous artists and bands from Leeds! What’s…
When you buy a first guitar to learn how to play, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest, most basic guitar available. While…
Learning how to hold guitar properly is an important step on your way to being able to practise guitar regularly without a sore back, arms,…
When it comes to guitar vs piano, most people aren’t sure which to choose. Is it easier to learn piano or guitar? Is piano or…
The many different types of electric guitars mean whether you’re a beginner or an expert, a blues musician or a rock god, there’s an electric…
Whether you are an amateur hobbyist or a seasoned professional, it is important to take care of your guitar. Some things such as restringing and…
Having been teaching guitar for years in Leeds and West Yorkshire, I have experienced teaching in different settings and working under different systems (with pros…
Ever since George Beauchamp patented the electromagnetic guitar pickup in 1937, the acoustic vs electric guitar argument has raged on. Some prefer the natural sound…
When you’re looking for the best beginner guitars or hoping to expand your guitar collection, it’s important to have a ballpark idea of how much…
Many people aren’t sure which type to go for when it comes to learning guitar. Sure, there’s the standard guitar, which is good all round.…
This blog post is written by Samson Lui, a jazz guitarist who graduated from Leeds Conservatoire (formerly Leeds College of Music). Prior to that, he…
I’m often asked “is it easy to learn guitar?” and although your mileage may vary, overall the answer is that with regular practice and an…
*This blog post is written by Samson Lui, a jazz guitarist from Hong Kong who studied with Bryan for over 3 years before going to…
Knowing how to tune a guitar is an essential step towards being able to tune your guitar confidently on your own, which in turn means…
A good beginner amp can help you make the best start when you learn to play electric guitar, but what are the features of the…
Whether your New Year’s Resolution to learn to play guitar is starting to weaken, or you’re looking ahead to the longer days of spring and…
One common question asked by beginners, as well as by intermediate guitar learners trying to take their skills to the next level, is how long…
One of the most daunting tasks when starting to learn how to play guitar can be choosing between the different types of guitars that are…
For the jazz guitar players and listeners out there, many would have heard this style of playing before as it can be found in numerous…
Teaching yourself the guitar is definitely possible – some of the 20th century’s most successful guitarists were famously self-taught, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and…
Leading Flautist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra Complains of Unequal Pay (News Piece) Elizabeth Rowe has been the principal flautist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra…
Having been at Leeds Conservatoire for six years, the best thing about the place is the facilities. There are well-equipped practice rooms, spacious band rooms,…
If you are looking for a rehearsal studio in Leeds, you have quite a few places to choose from. As a guitar teacher in Leeds,…
BOX Bar (City Centre & Headingley) With two buzzing locations, one on Infirmary Street in the city centre and the other up in Headingley, BOX…
Quality vs quantity. Some say it’s always about the quality. Some say if you focus on the quantity, the quality will come. Some say it…
The usual things you hear from working musicians: Don’t be late, don’t be a dick, be prepared… A graduate student once told me a simplified…
Not only does Leeds offer a vibrant and active music scene, it also has a handful of music shops which gives music lovers, from the…
My favourite method This particular method was very helpful for me when auditioning for Leeds Conservatoire (then known as Leeds College of Music). I had…